Jabrill Peppers is most certainly on a short list of Michigan true freshmen who could play early. NJ.com File Photo

ANN ARBOR -- For the second consecutive season, Michigan suited up and played 12 different true freshmen in 2013.

The Wolverines have played 32 true freshmen during Brady Hoke's three years as the program's head coach, as the team's philosophy continues to give playing time to the top players -- regardless of age.

This year, though, things could be different. The 2014 recruiting class is much smaller -- only 16 players -- and overall depth seems to be stronger, at least from a numbers perspective.

That said, some of these guys are going to see the field -- there's no debating that.

"You hesitate to say (who will play early) because you say it and then everybody thinks it is gospel," Hoke said last week. "(Then) when the guy doesn't play, they start questioning the kid. We really got away from this being about the kids playing the game. It's not going to go back, it's not going to get any better.

"But, I think there are five or six guys who might have an opportunity (to play early). The guys who come in early, in January, they get a better head start on the others."

From a need standpoint, Mone and at least one of the wide receivers may have the best chance to crack the lineup right away, given how they perform during spring practice.

Perhaps the biggest opening in the latter sits in the slot, as Michigan's only two current slot receivers are Dennis Norfleet and -- potentially -- Justice Hayes.

"I think with Freddy (Canteen), you've got a guy who is truly a slot guy," Hoke noted. "His ability to get out of breaks, his quickness off the ball. He is very talented, he can pick the ball out of the air."

Though the early-enrolled players may have an inside track to see the field before the rest of their classmates, the one player not on that list that likely has a better shot than all of them is Jabrill Peppers.

Hoke did his best to temper expectations for the five-star cornerback on signing day. But he made no bones about Peppers' ability as a football player.